RAF service numbers
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RAF service numbers
Just found a metal dog tag for an RAF serviceman - his/her number is J8204***. Internet not being very helpful in indicating year of enlistment/ place or trade. No serious reason, just curious as my tags were red circular and green octagonal, neither being metal; and not showing blood group unlike this metal one.
Any info appreciated - I must have too much time on my hands, many thanks
Any info appreciated - I must have too much time on my hands, many thanks
Number appears to be a recent one (circa 1980s/1990s)? Metal dog tags were IIRC a recent -ish dvelopment, circular is shape.
The service number sounds familiar. Technician Apprentice or Fitter maybe?
The service number sounds familiar. Technician Apprentice or Fitter maybe?
I joined in 1978 with a "81" number. My guess would be early eighties for a "82" number.
Last edited by Akrotiri bad boy; 4th Sep 2023 at 15:03. Reason: Additional info
My brother joined in '61 and his number was 7 digits beginning '19' whereas when I joined a few years later my number was 6 digits beginnining '21'.
One presumes that you will be handing them in "at any service establishment or police station"?
(Myself, similar chronology/numerology to Rebus btw, 8018***)
(Myself, similar chronology/numerology to Rebus btw, 8018***)
*822*** start of 85, so probably a year or two before me. I orginally had the red / green ones, but they got replaced by the round metal ones later, so if your 'man' stayed in a few years they would have got them too
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Mine begins 802 and I joined in 81.
Thought police antagonist
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The prefix of a letter caused a great deal of confusion with the Army, or rather an Army M.O who was more concerned as to why my number included a letter than my condition....the Germans however, had no such concerns and prescribed medication... that worked.
Avoid imitations
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I joined as a direct entrant officer cadet in 1976. Trained at Henlow. My service number began J802****.
On graduation as an officer the prefix J was retained, but moved to the end of the number.
On graduation as an officer the prefix J was retained, but moved to the end of the number.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Officer cadet at Henlow in 1974, No prefix, 7 digits beginning 802 with the suffix T. 802xxxxT
Remained unchanged until I left in 1999.
Remained unchanged until I left in 1999.
Last edited by ORAC; 5th Sep 2023 at 14:32.
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Hope this may help? My service number was : C8204@@@. Techie not appo, Joined Jan 1981. Had the original cardboard dogtags and later got the round metal ones with the neck chain, not sure when? maybe circa late 90's